Valencia, Spain

For a splendid city break, look no further than Valencia. This stunning metropolis of culture, arts, and history is Spain’s third largest city but it can definitely stand tall against such tourist mainstays as Barcelona and Madrid. Outstanding museums and art galleries, amazing architecture waiting around every street corner, as well as some of the finest nightlife in Spain make for an intoxicating blend which will enrapture cruisers who chance upon this extraordinary city.

Bold re-developments also mean this stunningly picturesque city has a modern, sophisticated edge to rival anywhere in Spain. The chic, futuristic designs of buildings such as the Opera House in the City of the Arts and Sciences contrast with Gothic and Renaissance monuments in the Old Town and make for an incredible skyline cruisers are likely to never forget. With a wealth of cultural events and a flourishing youth population who are coming to define the city in new, truly exciting ways, Valencia is a city in which culture and thrills are married together perfectly.

Sightseeing in Valencia

City of the Arts and Sciences

For an amazing tour of Valencia’s finest architecture, this beautiful, newly developed site has five distinct districts through which cruisers can enjoy superb leisure time alongside some cultural delving. Avant-garde architecture makes the modern, pure white buildings that populate the Plazas of this incredible site a remarkable place to take a stroll. The fantastic thing about the City of Arts and Sciences is that behind the spectacular facades of these buildings are intriguing exhibits such as the Prince Felipe Science Museum, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, and even an IMAX theatre. For a brilliant delve into Valencia’s culture, make this your first stop.

Bioparc Valencia

An amazing expanse of 25 acres tucked into the heart of the city, this beautiful zoo is home to hundreds of animals that will enrapture and delight cruisers of all ages. Unlike traditional zoos, the Bioparc offers a much more personal and safari-like experience, as it features enclosures without an abundance of glass barriers and cages. Host to the Madagascar zone - a home to high spirited monkeys and lemurs that are prone to greeting visitors treading down the pathways - as well as gorillas and chimpanzees, this awe-inspiring zoo is often overlooked by tourists, but is worth anybody’s time.

Casco Antigua

The Old Town district of Valencia is a breath-taking place to take a stroll and explore the heart of this beautifully chaotic city. Featuring cultural landmarks such as the Lonja de seda, an ancient trading market featuring amazing silk, and Bascilia de Vergen Los Desmaparados, home to Spain’s most revered statue of the Virgin Mary, this intriguing district has an architectural marvel waiting upon every cobblestone street, with spacious squares, ancient churches, and quaint, picturesque cafés in which to enjoy a cosy afternoon lunch.

Shopping in Valencia

For upmarket fashion, jewellery and antique boutiques, cruisers should head to the sun-dappled boulevards of Cross Calle Colon and Calle Cirilo Amoros. For a festive atmosphere which cruisers will fine utterly beguiling, head to the restored art deco Colon Market on Calle Jorge Juan, which is blessed with vibrant local vendors, sleepy cafés and stunning plazas.

Eating out in Valencia

You’ll find an amazing dining experience tucked away in the Cabynal quarter in the form of Bodega Casa Montana, a wonderful tapas bar which specialises in serving classic Spanish dishes with gourmet flair. Using ingredients from all over Valencia, the chefs at this chic establishment serve up mouth-watering seafood and vegetable platters with an international flavour. Book early to avoid disappointment, as the locals adore this culinary hotspot, and for very good reason too.